Steve Lillywhite

Kirsty: The Life and Songs of Kirsty MacColl

A documentary tribute to the singer/songwriter who died on 18th December, 2000.

Classic Albums: U2 - The Joshua Tree

Release in March 1987, U2's The Joshua Tree quickly became the fastest-selling album in British chart history, selling almost 250,000 copies within the first week of release. In the US, it was equally successful, topping the Billboard album chart for nine weeks, spending 58 weeks in the Top 40 there and earning a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. The story of the making of The Joshua Tree is told here, via interview and archive film footage, with contributions from band members Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. U2’s long-time manager Paul McGuinness reveals how the album catapulted the band into the category of rock superstars, and there are contributions from Elvis Costello in the role of a major U2 fan, re-mix producer Steve Lillywhite, and of course co-producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois. Packed with reminiscences and powerful performances, this is the story of one of the most famous and best records of the Eighties, a true Classic Album.

Artifact

Follow 30 Seconds to Mars as they record their latest album, This Is War, and their battle against record label EMI.

The Story of 'Fairytale of New York'

A look at the creation of The Pogues' song "Fairytale of New York".

XTC at the Manor

A documentary on the recording of the song "Towers of London" and a brief behind-the-scenes look at the making of the "Generals and Majors" video. Recorded at Richard Branson's mansion, August 1980.

Kirsty MacColl at the BBC

Described by Bono as 'the Noel Coward of our generation’, the singer and songwriter Kirsty MacColl would have turned 65 this year had her life not been tragically cut short in December 2000. Signed at the age of just 19 after being the backing singer for a failed punk band, Kirsty went on to write and record songs that spanned genres, including rockabilly, pop and South American. She had hits like A New England and Days and sang a key part in one of the nation’s favourite Christmas songs, Fairytale of New York. Respected by those who worked alongside her, including Billy Bragg, Johnny Marr, Jools Holland and many others, she has left a legacy that is still valued today. This programme brings together performances that highlight the wit and intelligence of this unique performer

BP Fallon: Rock'n'Roll Wizard

Bp Fallon has always lived at the heart of rock history. From his beginnings on Irish television, to his adventures in London's electric rock scene, Fallon was everywhere – working for the Beatles, whispering in the ears of legends like Led Zeppelin, T. Rex, and U2. He wasn't just a witness to rock history; he was the guy making it happen backstage.  Then, in a twist worthy of a rock 'n' roll fairytale, Bp grabs the mic in his 70s, recording raw, poetic tracks with none other than Jack White. After a lifetime in the shadows of giants, the eternal hipster finally takes centre stage – and owns it.